The Smurfs, the strange blue creatures famous throughout the world, were born in the 1950s thanks to the imagination of the cartoonist Peyo. Since then, also thanks to numerous television products, they have become an icon for several generations of children. Few, however, know that in Italy there is a small village that recalls the Smurf houses mushroom shaped. Find out where it is.
The singular village in the province of Savona
Entering the Savona area, Bardineto to be precise, you come across a particular village built in the 60’sthanks to Mario De Bernardi, a construction enthusiast, who decided to erect a set of “eccentric” bungalows in the woods of Bardineto. Although these structures were not originally intended to replicate the settings of the famous comic, their resemblance to the homes of the Smurfs has made the place famous as the Smurf Village.
More than anything, the buildings were designed for tourist purposes, given that each house boasts one or two rooms and all the services for a comfortable stay. Despite their small size, the buildings were equipped with a wood oven, a barbecue for outdoor grilling and a convenient warehouse to contain everything that had no place in the house.
How to visit the village of Bardineto?
For all Smurfs enthusiasts and for those who want to see a bizarre and out of the ordinary place, visiting the Smurfs’ village in Bardineto is an experience not to be missed. To reach this corner of fantasy, located in the province of Savona, it is necessary to head towards the municipality of Bardineto, following the SP1 route. At a certain point on the winding road you will see a green gate, behind which there are the Smurf houses.
Since it is one Private property It is not possible to visit the houses from the inside, but a path allows you to visit them from the outside, where you can still see the particular mushroom-shaped fences and the blue roofs.
What to see in Bardineto and surroundings
This place is a particular and curious destination for those who are already in the area. This unique visit can also be combined with other places in the surrounding area. In particular:
- The Caves of Toirano: a cave complex famous for its stalactites and stalagmites. They can be explored with a guided tour.
- Trekking trails: There are many trekking routes that develop in the Savona mountains, between Liguria and Piedmont.
- Monte Carmo: a mountain in the Ligurian Apennines much loved by hiking enthusiasts.
- Ligurian Coast: returning towards the sea you will find some villages where you can swim during the summer. Among these we must mention Albenga, Ceriale, Loano and Borghetto Santo Spirito.
Getting to Bardineto: car or bus?
Getting to Bardineto is not particularly difficult if you have a private car. Alternatively there are also some bus lines that reach the center. By car you will have to leave the motorway or Via Aurelia near Toirano and then continue towards the hinterland. Alternatively you can get off at Loano station and get on the bus.
Living in Bardineto
In the wonderful Ligurian hinterland, the town of Bardineto could be an excellent choice for looking for a house in a quiet place, but not therefore isolated. In the surrounding area you will find the essential services you may need for everyday life: all you have to do is look for the latest adverts for houses for sale or houses for rent on idealista.
